What is Startup Istanbul?

Startup Istanbul is a startup ecosystem platform connecting founders, investors, and operators — built around discovery, connections, and founder-focused support.

Are you currently organizing events?

Startup Istanbul is best known for major in-person ecosystem events in earlier years. No new events are currently scheduled. Future editions may return and will be announced when ready.

How can I apply with my startup?

You can apply through the application form on the website. Applications are open, but the process is selective — we don't run a rigid cohort. If there's a fit, we follow up for deeper evaluation.

What is StartupIst Ventures Fund I?

StartupIst Ventures Fund I is an early-stage investment fund that invests globally, sector-agnostic, typically writing $50K–$200K tickets. We often co-invest alongside other VCs/investors and prioritize strong founders.

Etohum is a founder-first platform in Türkiye, founded in 2008. It is the broader organization behind Startup Istanbul (especially in its earlier event years).

Who is Burak Büyükdemir?

Burak Büyükdemir is the founder of Etohum and Startup Istanbul, and the founder of StartupIst Ventures Fund I (global early-stage investing).

How do you work with founders today?

We keep applications open for discovery, but we work with founders in a more selective way: open applications, selective depth, founder-specific support, often 1-on-1, and focused on real progress — not a demo-day calendar.

Do you offer sponsorship or partnership opportunities?

Yes. For sponsorships, partnerships, or co-investing inquiries, please contact us via email at startupistanbul.com/contact.

Pitch Like The Finalists at Startup Turkey 2016: ErasmusInn

Meet [ErasmusInn](https://www. erasmusinn. com/): There’s not enough accommodation available for exchange students, landlords are worried that payments won’t be made on time, city living costs are expensive and the way mid-long term housing is found online isn’t secure.

Key Insights

ErasmusInn is a peer-to-peer property rental platform (website and mobile app) with strong verification procedures; removing the pain of payments between landlords and students. Seeding supply, then demand. ErasmusInn has generated more than 400.

000 Turkish Lira for their hosts. They make money by charging a 16% fee equal to average commission €150. They have over 150 paying customers and are active in more than 10 European cities with over 1.

Further Perspectives

000 listings. Hosts list their spare room on the website and students can book them without the need for additional paperwork. There are a total of 4m+ international students studying abroad annually.

Looking Ahead

Founders: Can Koseoglu, Nicolas Akavi, Ender Akgul

Watch their final pitch in the video below and feel free to leave your comment in the comment section.

Key Insights

Further Perspectives

Looking Ahead

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